Archaeology from Space: How the Future Shapes our Past by Sara Parcak

Author Sarah Parcak is recognized as one of the foremost pioneers in the use of high-resolution satellite imaging in archaeology. Her achievements and views on this fascinating technique and its exciting potential for discovering ancient remains as well as, on the negative side, for such worrisome purposes as spying, have received wide coverage in the media. A number of her presentations and discussions can also be viewed on YouTube.

In Archaeology from Space: How the Future Shapes our Past, reports our own Phyllis Manner, book club member and longtime researcher/worker on the Pompeii excavations, Parcak writes “with wit and knowledge. She gives a brief history of this new methodology and describes how it has enabled her to make discoveries of thus-far unknown, unseen buildings, settlements, roads and tombs in 12 countries, including Egypt, Scotland, Newfoundland and Peru.

“Her infectious excitement makes for good reading about the promising future of archaeology,” Phyllis concludes. Many book reviewers concur. We believe you, our members, will too.

Are We Ready for Satellites That See Our Every Move?

We should consider the ethical implications of satellites that can identify us, and our license plates, from space.